The transitional period for the general dust limit value in Germany has expired.
The general dust limit value (ASGW) was already newly regulated in Germany in 2014. It is intended to prevent dust pollution from affecting people's respiratory organs to an extent that is hazardous to health. This is a so-called layer average value for poorly soluble or insoluble dusts for which there are no other regulations.
In addition to the fineness of the dusts, the type of dust is of course also significant for the health impact. For dusts of substances with carcinogenic, mutagenic or sensitizing effects, separate limit values are prescribed due to the high hazard potential.
The ASWG stipulates a limit value of 1.25 mg/m³ for respirable dusts (A-dusts). The average density of 2.5g/m³ serves as the basis.
Transition period expired at the end of 2018 (TRGS900, section 2.4.2)
There was a transitional period for existing systems and processes until the end of 2018. Since the beginning of 2019, compliance with the ASGW has been mandatory.
In addition, a risk assessment must be carried out in the company and protective measures must be adapted in accordance with the STOP principle:
- S … Substitution: Replacing materials or processes in order to avoid or reduce dust emissions.
- T … Technical protective measures: Replace extraction & filtration solutions, use room ventilation to eliminate/reduce dust exposure in the workplace.
- O … Organizational: Change work processes to avoid/reduce exposure.
- P … Personal: Use personal protective equipment - for example respiratory protection.
Kappa supports you!
We are very familiar with the legal framework and how to comply with it. We are happy to support you in the assessment and elimination of health hazards or nuisance caused by fine dust. This applies both to individual workplaces and to the entire production process.